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Category Archives: Consumer affairs
Watch “Decimalisation (1970)” on YouTube
Our last article, on the subject of the decimal currency changeover in 1971, attracted several comments from our readers, one of which drew to attention to a film relating to the event. For technical reasons, it is not possible to post this … Continue reading
Not a blunder
We take a look at the changeover to decimal currency which occurred almost 50 years ago, and ask if there are any lessons to be learned that will help resolve the UK’s current measurement muddle. Likes(7)Dislikes(0)
Posted in Consumer affairs, General, History
Tagged blunder, decimal currency, decimalisation, Government policy, metric measures, metrication
7 Comments
Our common measurement language
One of the most important, and perhaps surprising, human achievements during the nineteen and twentieth centuries was the adoption around the world of a common language of measurement. Ronnie Cohen provides an illustration of the benefits this can bring. Likes(17)Dislikes(0)
Posted in Consumer affairs, Technical
Tagged measurement units, metric, product descriptions
14 Comments
Muddled measures in car brochures
One of the last bastions of imperial units is our road network and hence car manufacturers’ marketing campaigns. Ronnie Cohen has been looking at some their promotional material. Likes(15)Dislikes(2)
Posted in Consumer affairs, Road signs, Technical, Transport
Tagged car brochures, Department for Transport, DfT, dual-unit, electric vehicle, EV, imperial measures, metric, Road signs
3 Comments
Metric reminders for your holiday
As we approach the summer holiday season, Ronnie Cohen looks at the familiar metric units that we are likely to encounter wherever we go on holiday. And, yes, that includes the USA, although its exceptionalism is likely to provide us with a few problems. … Continue reading
Posted in Consumer affairs, General, Health, Sport, Transport, Views from abroad
Tagged abroad, familiar, foreign, holiday, measurement units, metric, season, unit, units
6 Comments
Measuring tapes – choice for some
In the unlikely event of Donald Trump deciding to buy a measuring tape while he is in Britain, he will find a wide choice of a type that is popular in the US. Indeed, he may have difficulty finding any other. … Continue reading
Posted in Consumer affairs, General, Technical
Tagged centimetres, feet, inches, measuring tapes, metric, USC
12 Comments
Hybrids, old and new
We have come across two examples of hybrid measures, and speculate if these might help in those countries struggling with the transition from old to new measures. Likes(30)Dislikes(4)
Posted in Consumer affairs, General, Recipes
Tagged cup, hybrid measures, imperial, imperial measures, measurement units, metric, metric foot, weights and measures
9 Comments
Think metric – don’t convert
The editor remembers this slogan from his time in the UK construction industry in the early 1970’s. Almost half a century later, Ronnie Cohen gives real-world examples of metric quantities that may help those who are not as familiar with … Continue reading
Posted in Consumer affairs, Education, General, Uncategorized
Tagged conversion, imperial, measurement units, metric, metrication, thnk metric
7 Comments
Is perfect the enemy of good?
Recent experience in France and Greece and a comment last week by Charlie P on this site has prompted us to ask if it would be better if supporters of metric measures were less pedantic. Likes(31)Dislikes(0)
Posted in Consumer affairs, Education, General, Media
Tagged measurement units, metric, perfect_is_the_enemy_of_good, SI
17 Comments
The new £50 note
It was announced today that the new polymer £50 note will celebrate the UK’s achievements in science, and will feature a prominent British scientist. Nominations from the public are invited. Likes(23)Dislikes(0)